Review of Panic Room (2002) by Adam F — 22 Feb 2013

"Panic Room" is a well-made thriller that stays interesting despite the fact that it's primarily centered around a single room. There are many smart choices in the movie, one of which is to keep the cast small.

For most of the movie we only get 5 characters and that allows us to get to know them. You feel like you're inside the movie, studying everyone and trying to get the edge on them by observing their mannerisms and gauging their personality, just as the people on either side of the panic room are doing.

There's a strong sense of urgency in the movie too. You know that with a robbery, you have to get in and get out quick and the longer the plot drags on, the worse it's going to get but there's also some complications inside the panic room that makes Jodie Foster and Kristen Stewart's characters want to get out asap, even if they weren't under siege by a gang of crooks.

Everyone is either trying to find a way to trick the other party into letting them in or out of the room, or people are trying to sneak out to get help, or force someone to do something against their will and because the characters are intelligent, they're always trying something new.

It's really exciting and totally keeps you guessing. It's really satisfying to see a movie where people act logically, always trying to sneak past each other's defences (both physical and mental/emotional) and you'll constantly be surprised by the new elements introduced.

"Panic Room" is a terrific thriller that really cleverly uses it's location, creates genuine thrills and exciting feelings of paranoia and claustrophobia too. (Dvd, September 2012).